8 Space Technologies We Use Everyday
Humankind’s pursuit of space exploration has pushed the boundaries of human limitations as well as technology innovation. Today we see technology dominating the everyday lives that we take for granted. Here are 8 space technologies that we use every day.
Scratch-resistant lenses
Scratch-resistant astronaut helmets were developed by NASA to withstand the stresses of space travel. NASA gave a license to Foster-Grant Corporation, who developed scratch-resistant plastics that are used in most sunglasses and prescription lenses.
Baby Formula
NASA explored the possibility of using algae as a recycling agent for long space travel. This experiment led to the creation of algae-based vegetable oil which later was called Formulaid. Formulaid is highly beneficial to infant mental and physical development. Formulaid can be found in baby foods in more than 65 countries today.
Camera Sensors in Smartphones
Camera in smartphones can trace their origins to the work from NASA. They worked to miniaturise cameras for interplanetary missions. NASA managed to develop complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors which are widely used in smartphones and digital cameras today.
Embedded Web Technology
NASA developed Embedded Web Technology software that allowed astronauts to operate and monitor experiments on the ISS remotely over the internet. This can be seen in smart ovens that enable you to control the temperature and cooking duration via the internet.
Air Purifier
These days air purifiers are a way to clean surrounding air and filter out any hazardous air particles that could be damaging in the long term. NASA needed a way to remove ethylene from the air to prevent plants from ageing and fruit from ripening too soon. They developed an ethylene scrubber that uses titanium oxide and UV light to convert ethylene into trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide.
Wireless Headsets
The wireless headset was originally developed during the Apollo program in the 1960s. Neil Armstrong delivered his famous quote via wireless headphone. The technology eventually was refined for airline pilots and soon eventually developed into wireless headphones that we use on the go.
CAT Scans
Computerized Axial Tomography or CAT scans known to most people is a vital medical diagnostic tool. CAT scan technology was developed to identify imperfections in aerospace structures and components.
Water Filtration System
During the Apollo program, NASA required a small and lightweight water purifier that required minimal power that wouldn’t need to be monitored around the clock by the astronauts in orbit. NASA managed to produce a small chlorine-free, dispensed silver ions water filtration system that kills bacteria.
Summary
Space exploration provides an opportunity for agencies and companies to innovate and produce advancements in technologies. Later on, these technologies could be adapted and developed into a life-changing technology. Let’s hope there will be more space explorations that could motivate countries and companies to innovate.